The next day, at the Nova City Gym.
Originally, there had been no club in Nova City.
It was not until the League announced its plan to establish gyms that several clubs declared their intention to settle in Nova City, with the goal of competing for the gym slot.
However, for a club to be promoted to a gym, in addition to the personal strength of the Gym Leader, initial financial backing, and construction land, the most important factors were the gym's philosophy and a method of selecting outstanding trainers that matched its own characteristics.
In the end, after intense competition, the current club successfully stood out, and the type represented by this gym was the Rock type.
After submitting his research application as an investigator, Ethan went to the Nova City Pokémon Trainers' Guild and applied for a gym challenge. Afterwards, under the guidance of the staff, he headed to the location of the gym.
"Rock type, and it's also a double battle?" Ethan showed slight surprise upon learning the rules of the Nova Gym challenge.
"Next begins the evaluation battle of the Nova Gym. Leader Riyán will face the challenger Ethan."
"The battle rules are a double battle, 2 versus 2. Both sides will simultaneously send out two Pokémon to fight, and switching Pokémon during the battle will not be allowed," announced the gym referee as the combatants took their positions on opposite sides of the field.
"Show the coordination between your Pokémon! Go, Solrock and Lunatone!"
With the throwing of Poké Balls, Leader Riyán released his Pokémon.
"Those two Pokémon really are perfectly suited for double battles," Ethan smiled faintly.
Immediately after, he threw his own Poké Balls, from which Charizard and Vibrava emerged.
"Charrzz!"
"Viiibbrraa!"
Both Pokémon let out low growls as they appeared, exchanged glances, and revealed their fighting spirit.
"This time it's a double battle. Cooper well and show the results of your special training," Ethan said with a smile.
Charizard and Vibrava usually trained flying together, and moreover, as two of the main cores of Ethan's sandstorm strategy, they had received extensive coordination training. Therefore, fighting together in a double battle was ideal for them.
"Let the battle begin! The challenger takes the first action," announced the referee.
Without hesitation, Ethan gave the order: "Charizard, use Sunny Day!"
"Charrzz!"
Charizard roared softly as a fireball formed and spun within its mouth.
"Sunny Day?" Leader Riyán was startled and quickly ordered Solrock and Lunatone to attack.
Immediately, both Pokémon used the move Stone Edge. Countless blades of stone shot toward Charizard, slicing through the air with piercing whistles.
Facing this Rock-type move with a fourfold disadvantage, Charizard remained completely unfazed and continued executing Sunny Day.
Fuuuushhh!
Just as the rocks were about to hit, a tornado rose from the ground, completely intercepting the projectiles.
Amid a series of cracking sounds, all the rocks shattered in midair, causing not the slightest damage to Charizard, who remained protected within the vortex.
"What...?" Riyán was shocked to see the move Sunny Day completed successfully.
A small sun rose into the sky, causing the temperature of the battlefield to increase rapidly.
"Nice work! Charizard, use Flamethrower!"
Ethan smiled faintly. Under the effects of Sunny Day and with the Solar Power ability, Charizard's ranged attacks were simply terrifying.
Seeing the massive column of fire launched by Charizard, Leader Riyán was once again startled and quickly ordered Solrock and Lunatone to use Psychic, successfully blocking the Flamethrower.
"Vibrava, use Tailwind!"
"Charizard, use Flare Blitz!"
Ethan's voice rang out immediately, and a powerful current of wind began to blow across the field, enveloping Solrock and Lunatone.
At the same time, Charizard's body became covered in flames. With a flap of its wings, it took advantage of the direction of Tailwind and charged toward its opponents.
Fuuuushhh!
The wind fanned the fire, and the fire rode the wind.
As Charizard surged forward wrapped in flames, the fire surrounding it suddenly intensified, transforming into a massive fireball. With the speed increase from Tailwind, it looked like a meteor streaking across the sky as it crashed into Solrock and Lunatone.
Both Pokémon's expressions changed as they tried to use Psychic again, but with Charizard's speed amplified by Tailwind, it was far too fast and gave them no time to react.
BOOM!
With a deafening roar, both Pokémon were struck head-on before they could respond.
Amid a sea of flames, the gigantic fireball slammed into the ground and triggered a violent explosion that shook the entire battlefield, kicking up a cloud of dust and smoke.
Seeing this, Vibrava immediately flapped its wings and created another tornado, forcefully dispersing the smoke from the explosion.
Originally, Vibrava had planned to follow up with another attack, but it had underestimated the power of Flare Blitz enhanced by Tailwind.
On the field, Charizard was sitting on the ground, panting heavily. Evidently, that extreme Flare Blitz attack had also exacted a tremendous toll on it.
In front of it, Solrock and Lunatone could barely remain airborne. Although their Rock-type resilience had prevented them from falling immediately, their miserable condition made it clear that they could no longer continue fighting.
"The combination of Flare Blitz and Tailwind, reinforced by wind that amplifies the flames, Charizard's increased speed, and the climatic bonus of Sunny Day... has pushed the power of this attack to its limit. It's truly impressive coordination," Leader Riyán praised sincerely as he watched Charizard and Vibrava.
Immediately afterward, Riyán decisively recalled his two Pokémon. The three Pokémon on the field had barely any strength left, while Vibrava remained in perfect condition; the outcome was already obvious.
"Thank you for the compliment, Leader Riyán," Ethan replied with a smile, very satisfied with the coordination between Charizard and Vibrava.
Nevertheless, the recoil from the move Flare Blitz was still considerable, and that would be a key point to improve in future training.
"Congratulations on your victory," said the staff of the Pokémon Trainers' Guild as they handed Ethan a badge.
Thus, Ethan obtained his third gym badge.
(End of chapter)